Tag: GDC 2011

This past week has been a real trial, and I have learned a lot. I have, above all else, learned that I have a long way to go before I can say I am a game engine programmer – but that is definitely where I want to go. Monday I was able to see into the more artistic, and as such a more nebulous view of the world of game development through the eyes of a level developer. In sharp contrast, sitting through a number of programming and engineering related talks on Tuesday and Wednesday, each talk was followed with a mentioning of a white paper and/or at least a published discussion of the intricate details of what is going on in the slides. Continue reading “GDC Coming to a close”

I am not always quick to complain about my experiences, but I feel that I need to vent a bit before I get to sleep. GDC is a complicated narrative about two duders from out of town looking for information and guidance, but only finding frustration and pain. This day has come to a close with the following overly simplified statements.

Scapegoating is a horrible practice – causing dissent and irritation

Building levels is more than just piecing together art and code – it is also where the seeds of fun are planted

Most people have really stupid, and repetitive, questions

Showering is optional (at least with level designers)

Pacing, Tempo and Story Beats are immensely important in level design

Pacing, Tempo and Story Beats are not important in presentations

Building power point slides and reading them to an audience is well worth the admission ticket price at GDC

Chairs are not meant to make you feel comfortable – they are to make you really miss, or reminisce depending on your disposition, scoliosis.

Nothing really interesting picked up just yet. Was nice to finally put some names to the games that I’ve been playing, and more over to realize they are just (above) people.